Answer the following questions. [2*5=10]

Answer the following questions. [2*5=10]

a. For Frost, what do ‘fire’ and ‘ice’ stand for?

Answer:

The word ‘fire’ stands for desire. In the poem, it indicates all types of greed and lust. In today’s 

world, mankind’s greed is endangering the very existence of the planet Earth. The word ‘ice’ in the 

poem indicates hatred and indifference which is as cold as ‘ice’.

b. How has Frost brought out the contrasting ideas in the poem?

Answer:

‘Desire’ propels us in hot pursuit of something, hence, it is compared with fire. ‘Hatred’ makes us 

cold towards other’s feelings. The coldness of ice can numb our senses. Similarly, the coldness of our 

hearts can numb our kindness. That is why ‘hatred’ has been compared with ice.

c. Write down the two different views about the end of the world? [CBSE 2012]

Answer:

There is a debate that is going on about the end of the world. People say that the world will end in 

fire or in ice. World is transitory, nothing is perennial in this universe.

d. How does Robert Frost caution the common man?

Answer:

Man is selfish, avaricious, lustful, indifferent and hateful. Robert Frost cautions the common man 

and says that he should not forget the bitter reality that everything in this world is transitory and 

death is inevitable.

e. Why does the poet hold with those who favour fire?

Answer:

The poet takes side with those who believe that the world will be destroyed by fire. Frost connects 

fire with desire. According to the poet, desire is powerful and would be a quick end. Moreover, the 

fact that he has had personal experience with desire leads him to first conclude that the world will 

end in fire